Preserve the Summer’s Produce Bounty from Asheville’s Local Markets

Asheville has a huge variety of markets featuring local, organic and fresh produce. Summer is the perfect time to put away these beautiful treats from nature through dehydration, canning, freezing, and cooking. But to start, you need to pick the best of the produce offerings.

Deciding which of the display in front of you will end up in your cans can be easy or frustratingly difficult. Some are obvious, like tomatoes and apples, but some fruits and vegetables stymie even the most skilled. You’ll hear a variety of advice from old timers: “Thump it!” or “Smell the stem end” or “Look for the yellow on the bottom” might all be heard from seasoned farmers and canners, but some of these tidbits are nothing more than wives tales.

So before you pack up and head to the nearest market (which we recommend you do!), check out this list of ways to tell how to pick the best of the best from the USDA:

http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/05/22/picking-a-winner-tips-and-insight-to-selecting-seasonal-produce/

Then, share your pics and canning adventures with us on our Asheville Food Facebook page